❓ Hon Anthony Spagnolo inquires about inter-agency coordination in Swan Valley water management, specifically regarding responsible agencies, coordination methods, and recent changes. The answer details the roles of the WAPC and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, referencing State Planning Policy 2.9: Water.
AnsweredQoN 1515Legislative Council
Asked
14 April 2026
Member
Portfolio
Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to coordination between agencies involved in water management in the Swan Valley, and I ask:(a) which state government agencies are responsible;(b) how is coordination managed; and(c) has there been any changes in the coordination between agencies in the past 5 years?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 May 2026
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West
Response time
6 days
(a) Water management in land use planning and urban development is coordinated by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) through the administration of the Planning and Development Act 2005 and State Planning Policy 2.9: Water (WAPC 2025). The WAPC coordinates and integrates a range of considerations into the planning system, including infrastructure provision, service utilities, transport, housing, environmental protection and water management.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has a role in the review and endorsement of water management reports and an advisory function to decision makers on land planning matters, and regulates the take of water through licensing, where relevant. Additionally, the Department prepares regional and sub-regional drainage and water management plans, when required by decision making bodies.
(b) The State Planning Policy 2.9: Water guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies (including local government).
(c) State Planning Policy 2.9: Water and the Planning for Water Guidelines were updated in 2025 to consolidate a number of policy instruments. The processes outlined in the State Planning Policy 2.9: Water have largely remained consistent since the publication of Better Urban Water Management in 2028.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has a role in the review and endorsement of water management reports and an advisory function to decision makers on land planning matters, and regulates the take of water through licensing, where relevant. Additionally, the Department prepares regional and sub-regional drainage and water management plans, when required by decision making bodies.
(b) The State Planning Policy 2.9: Water guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies (including local government).
(c) State Planning Policy 2.9: Water and the Planning for Water Guidelines were updated in 2025 to consolidate a number of policy instruments. The processes outlined in the State Planning Policy 2.9: Water have largely remained consistent since the publication of Better Urban Water Management in 2028.
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